When Your Child Has a Dental Emergency

Posted May 13, 2016.

Bringing your child in for regular dental cleanings and checkups can prevent many dental problems before they start. But some can occur without warning. Dental emergencies, caused by accidents or other reasons, require the same kind of urgent attention that other emergencies do. If your child has a dental emergency, it is crucial to bring him or her to the dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are things you can do to aid in treatment.

Knocked-out permanent tooth – Recover it, touching only the crown and never the root. Rinse it off and try to reinsert into the socket. If it won’t go in, place it in a cup of milk or water. Knocked-out teeth are most often saved if treated within an hour of the event.

Broken tooth – Rinse the area with warm water and control facial swelling with a cold compress. Recover any tooth fragments you can and get to a dentist immediately.

Toothache – Clean around the sore tooth carefully. Then rinse the mouth with warm salt water. Never place aspirin next to the tooth, as this won’t relieve pain and can burn the gums. Use a cold compress and get to a dentist.

Reacting quickly and appropriately in a dental emergency is an important part of effective treatment. At Treasured Smiles Children’s Dentistry, Duane C. Clouse, PC, we are experienced helping children with a variety of urgent dental needs. Please call us to learn more about what to do in a dental emergency.